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24 September 2001
COMBINED MMR VACCINE IS SAFE
The combined MMR vaccine is safe and doesn't put children's health at risk, a new report claims.
Researchers from the Institute of Child Health and St George's Hospital in London have carried out extensive reviews of all the studies conducted on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The MMR immunisation was launched in October 1988 and is given to children when they're between 12 and 15 months old. It proved to be popular until a paper published in the Lancet medical journal, by Dr Andrew Wakefield from the Royal Free Hospital, suggested it could be linked to autism and bowel problems.
However, having reviewed all the available scientific information and studies about the vaccine, the researchers are convinced it's safe. They also say that research conducted since the autism concerns were raised, dismisses the likelihood of such problems occurring.
The team say, "There is no good scientific evidence to support a link between the MMR vaccine and autism or inflammatory bowel disease - indeed, there is mounting evidence that shows no link."
As far as using separate vaccines goes, they believe they're unnecessary. More importantly, they add, they're also an "untested policy and, as far as protecting children from infectious disease is concerned, they're a backward step".
Dr Elizabeth Miller of the Public Health Laboratory Service says the vaccine has caused considerable worry and concern for parents and that some 'scare stories' haven't helped. She added that she is hopeful that the new findings indicating the safety of the vaccine will help provide reassurance.
Researcher professor David Elliman, from St George's Hosptial, says, "While the final decision rests with parents, the evidence of the safety and efficiency of the MMR vaccine is so overwhelmingly conclusive that health professionals should have no hesitation in recommending its use."
The Department of Health also insists the vaccine is safe and encourages parents to opt for the immunisation.
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